What Are Condoms?

Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are
male condoms and female condoms:

A male condom is worn on the penis.
It is usually made of latex, a type of rubber. But some are made of materials that
are safe for people with latex allergies, such as polyurethane or polyisoprene.

A female condom is inserted into the vagina.
It has a flexible ring at either end. One end is closed and goes into the vagina;
the other end is open and the ring sits outside the opening of the vagina. The female
condoms now available are made from materials safe for people with latex allergies.

How Do Condoms Work?

Condoms work by keeping semen (the fluid that contains sperm) from entering the
vagina. The male condom is placed on the penis when it becomes erect. It is unrolled
all the way to the base of the penis while holding the tip of the condom to leave
some extra room at the end. This creates a space for semen after ejaculation and makes
it less likely that the condom will break.

After the male ejaculates, he should hold the condom at the base of the penis as
he pulls out of the vagina. He must do this while the penis is still erect. This prevents
the condom from slipping off when he gets soft, which could let sperm enter the vagina.

The female condom is inserted into the vagina using the closed-end ring. The other
ring creates the open end of the condom. The condom then lines the walls of the vagina,
creating a barrier between the sperm and the cervix. The female condom can be inserted
up to 8 hours before intercourse. It should be removed immediately after sex and before
standing up.

The male and female condoms should not be used at the same time because friction
can break them, make them stick together, or make one or the other slip out of place
during intercourse. If a condom breaks or slips, semen can get through, making the
condom less likely to prevent pregnancy or STDs.

How Well Do Condoms Work?

Over the course of a year:

15 out of 100 typical couples who use male condoms will have an accidental pregnancy.

About 21 out of 100 couples who use female condoms will have an accidental pregnancy.

A condom cannot be reused. A new condom should be used each time a couple has sex
and it must be used from start to finish to protect against pregnancy and STDs. Never
use oil-based lubricants (such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil) with
condoms because they can break down the rubber. Condoms also can be damaged by things
like fingernails and body piercings.

If a condom seems dry, sticky, or stiff when it comes out of the package, or is
past its expiration date,
throw it away and use a new one instead. It's helpful to have several condoms on hand
in case there's a problem with one. It's best to store unused condoms in a cool, dry
place.

Do Condoms Help Protect Against STDs?

Yes. Latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms can help prevent many STDs if
they are used correctly. Condoms made of lambskin do not work well to prevent STDs,
including HIV/AIDs.

Condoms do not protect against infections spread from sores on the skin not covered
by a condom (such as the base of the penis or scrotum). Couples having sex must always
use condoms to protect against STDs even when using another method of birth control.

Abstinence (not having
sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.

Are There Any Problems With Condoms?

Most men and women have no problems using condoms. Side effects that can sometimes
happen include:

an allergic reaction in someone with an allergy to latex condoms

irritation of the penis or the vagina from spermicides
or lubricants that some condoms are treated with

Who Are Condoms Right for?

Condoms may be a good option for couples who are responsible enough to stop and
put a condom on each
time before sex and people who want protection against STDs.

Because condoms are the only method of birth control currently available for guys,
they allow the male to take responsibility for birth control and STD protection.

Where are Condoms Available?

Condoms are easy to find in drugstores, supermarkets, and even vending machines.
(In some stores, they're in the "Family Planning" aisle.) Condoms do not require a
doctor's visit or a prescription.

How Much Do Condoms Cost?

Male condoms cost about $0.50 to $1 each and are less expensive when they are bought
in boxes that contain several condoms. Many health centers and family planning clinics
(such as Planned Parenthood) and some schools distribute them free of charge.

Female condoms are a little more expensive and cost about $2 per condom. Some health
centers and family planning clinics have female condoms available for free.